Kieran Trippier makes bold statement to Declan Rice amid Arsenal and Manchester United interest in West Ham captain

Rice’s future continues to be uncertain, and the West Ham captain is expected to leave the club this summer. David Moyes has warned, however, that it would take a British transfer record, surpassing the £107million paid for Enzo Fernandez by Chelsea.

Arsenal are believed to have made Rice their top summer priority as they seek to bolster their midfield options, while Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with the 24-year-old.

Speaking after Newcastle’s draw with West Ham on Saturday, Rio Ferdinand asked Trippier to choose between Partey and Rice amid strong interest in the Gunners’ Englishman.

“Declan – Declan is amazing,” Trippier told the Vibe with Five podcast.

“I don’t know if you watched the game the other day when we played West Ham, but just his intelligence, the way he interrupts play and how he travels with it, and how powerful he is. Amazing, probably one of the best in the world at what he does.

Ferdinand then turned his attention to Man United, asking Trippier if he would choose Casemiro or Rice. Once again the Newcastle right-back went with his international team-mate.

“As defenders like me or yourself, you appreciate a Michael Carrick, or whatever Declan does,” Trippier said.

“So it makes your job easier when they’re just cleaning everything up. Don’t get me wrong, Casemiro, the trophies he’s won, the Champions Leagues, he’s a world-class player, but if you’re talking right now, Dec is amazing.